Removing the \SQLEXPRESS instance name on Dell laptops

I am installing SQL 2005 Express on several laptops (IBM Thinkpads and Dell latitudes) and I've noticed that doing the exact came configuration options with the exact same file, the IBM thinkpads just take the Machine name for SQL Server, while the Dells take Machinename\SQLEXPRESS. I am wondering how I can get it to just take the machine name on the Dells.

Thanks a lot

You might want to take a look at what's already installed on those laptops before you install SQL Express. I know that on our Dell servers there's an application called IT Assist, which uses a local SQL Server database. Dell may have already installed SQL Express on those laptops for this application, and it's using the default instance. Then, when you install SQL Express, the default instance is already used, so it installs the named installed you've identified.|||I believe I have removed all traces of anything SQL Server related that I could find as far as the add or remove programs, but I will take a look at the IT assist as well. Thanks a lot.

Removing the \SQLEXPRESS instance name on Dell laptops

I am installing SQL 2005 Express on several laptops (IBM Thinkpads and Dell latitudes) and I've noticed that doing the exact came configuration options with the exact same file, the IBM thinkpads just take the Machine name for SQL Server, while the Dells take Machinename\SQLEXPRESS. I am wondering how I can get it to just take the machine name on the Dells.

Thanks a lot

You might want to take a look at what's already installed on those laptops before you install SQL Express. I know that on our Dell servers there's an application called IT Assist, which uses a local SQL Server database. Dell may have already installed SQL Express on those laptops for this application, and it's using the default instance. Then, when you install SQL Express, the default instance is already used, so it installs the named installed you've identified.|||I believe I have removed all traces of anything SQL Server related that I could find as far as the add or remove programs, but I will take a look at the IT assist as well. Thanks a lot.

Removing SQL Express instances

Using SQL Express, UNDER COMPUTER management, SQL Server Configuraqtion Manager, SQL Server 2005 Network configuration Ihave the following listed instances

CSOLUTION - not listed under services

MSSQLSERVER - Disabled

SQLEXPRESS - Diaabled

SQLTEST - Disabled

SQLEXPRESSDATA - used by VB05 program

Questions

a) how do I delete all the instancces I do not use. In MSDE, each instance could be removed via the add/remove programs, but I don't see how to remove it under express

b) since SQLEXPRESS is the default for an SQL Express installation, I would like for the VBB05 program to use that instance; how do I do that?

Any help would be appreciated.

Bob

a) When you go to Add/Remove Programs, select the SQL 2005 entry and click on Remove. This will pop up a box showing the instances you have on your machine. You can select one from here and continue with the uninstall to remove it.

b) When you create your DB connection in your VB app, you'll need to supply a DB name to connect to. Here, use <MACHINENAME>/SQLEXPRESS and it will connect to that instance. You'd do the same thing to connect to any other named instance.

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)

Removing SQL Express instances

Using SQL Express, UNDER COMPUTER management, SQL Server Configuraqtion Manager, SQL Server 2005 Network configuration Ihave the following listed instances

CSOLUTION - not listed under services

MSSQLSERVER - Disabled

SQLEXPRESS - Diaabled

SQLTEST - Disabled

SQLEXPRESSDATA - used by VB05 program

Questions

a) how do I delete all the instancces I do not use. In MSDE, each instance could be removed via the add/remove programs, but I don't see how to remove it under express

b) since SQLEXPRESS is the default for an SQL Express installation, I would like for the VBB05 program to use that instance; how do I do that?

Any help would be appreciated.

Bob

a) When you go to Add/Remove Programs, select the SQL 2005 entry and click on Remove. This will pop up a box showing the instances you have on your machine. You can select one from here and continue with the uninstall to remove it.

b) When you create your DB connection in your VB app, you'll need to supply a DB name to connect to. Here, use <MACHINENAME>/SQLEXPRESS and it will connect to that instance. You'd do the same thing to connect to any other named instance.

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)